Curated OER
Message in a Bottle
Sixth graders write a short story about being stranded on a deserted island. After a brief geography review of locations at various latitudes and longitudes, 6th graders draft their story about being stranded. They use sensory and...
Curated OER
Mystery at Lake Cachuma
Students review the concept of character and name the traits associated with good character. As a class, they discover a mystery at Lake Cachuma and complete a worksheet. They use the internet to research the history of the Chumash...
Curated OER
Passport to Courage
Students discuss the character trait of "courage of convictions" and apply this to their daily life. Using the internet, they research the life and work of Thomas McKean and discuss the courage needed to sign the Declaration of...
Curated OER
Date with Responsibility
Students discuss what it means to be responsible. As a class, they brainstorm a list of how they are responsible in their daily lives. In groups, they read the story of Liliuokalani and locate Hawai'i on a map. They discuss the...
Curated OER
Lost on Superstition Mountain
Students review the concept of responsbility and relate it to the own lives. Using the internet, they research the search for gold on Superstition Mountain in Arizona and locate it on a map. They also examine the culture of Mexico and...
Novelinks
The Hobbit: Concept/Vocabulary Analysis
Considering using Tolkien's The Hobbit for book circles or whole-class reading? Check out this packet that provides an overview of the novel, some interesting background materials, and links to additional resources.
Curated OER
Literature Study Contracts
Students complete activities with a leveled chapter book. In this literature lesson, students read a novel and complete several graphic organizers and activities as they read. They focus on characters, settings, vocabulary, and plot.
Curated OER
What Are The Characteristics of Your Neighborhood?
Middle schoolers make a mental map of their neighborhood. Using a software program, they make an aerial and digital map of their school and locate their school on given maps. In groups, they calculate the distances to various locations...
Curated OER
Hero Within
Students interview a hero. In this heroes lesson, students read Number the Stars to begin a discussion about heroes and then create mind maps on each character. Students pick a local hero and interview them and then write a personal...
Curated OER
Sharing Our Surplus Stash: A Trick-Or-Treat Twist
Students give the gift of candy to community members. In this citizenship and giving lesson, students read Franklin's Halloween and discuss why the main characters give away part of their Halloween candy. Students brainstorm who in their...
Curated OER
Respect for Non-Native Students
Students develop and understanding that people born in other countries deserve respect and appreciation. In this ethnic background appreciation lesson, students discuss the different countries that classmates are born in. Students then...
Curated OER
Once Upon a Castle
Young scholars complete a variety of activities surrounding castle communities and fairy tales. They write a letter to a fairy tale character, write a fairy tale, create a model of a castle, and draw a map of a castle community.
Curated OER
Making A New Nation
Eighth graders read standard road maps and topographical maps, and examine the lives of pathfinders who opened the trails to the West. They develop Living History presentations, role-playing a character from the past.
Curated OER
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Students examine the early years of Harry Truman to determine how his upbringing influenced his character. His political career from county judge to president is explored and some of the decisions made as a politician, evaluated.
Curated OER
Lindenwald: Martin Van Buren
Students examine maps, readings, photos, drawings and political cartoons in order to describe the personality and character of Martin Van Buren as reflected by his lifestyle. They identify Van Buren's political views and political issues...
Curated OER
Give Me The C and D Canal!!!
Learners estimate the distance from Baltimore to Philadelphia via the water route before the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was built. Students study canals and how transportation and economic necessities dictate the building of a canal.
Curated OER
Language Arts: Women in History
Students read excerpts from Amelia Earhart's autobiography, "The Fun if It," and identify her character traits. To aid visualization of her transatlantic flight, they search books and the Internet for photos related to Earhart's flights....
Curated OER
Where Do People Move To Or From?
Students identify countries of origin of their ancestors, graph patterns of migration to the U.S. and Hawaii, then utilize oral history as a primary document by interviewing their ancestors or parents to explain why they moved to their...
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A Share in America
Students examine map - reflect on why English colonist kept coming to America (scarcity of land in England / seemingly endless land in America)
Recite line from English poem. They discuss English attitude towards Indians and their lands.
Curated OER
"Let's Make Some Money"
Students complete a project about economics, supply, and advertising. In this advertising activity, students discuss how money is made, entrepreneurs, and advertising. They make their own business with toys to sell to Kindergartners.
Curated OER
Generations: An Exploration of our Families Through Literature
Students complete a unit of lessons on families. They read and analyze various stories, label a map, assemble sentences, write letters to grandparents, analyze character traits, and write and illustrate a sheet for a class book.
Seussville
Oh! the Places You'll Go!
Honor Dr. Seuss on his birthday with a read aloud of the story Oh! the Places You'll Go! and a variety of activities that inspire scholars to dream of their future endeavors. Readers take part in conversations, research the life of...
Curated OER
Simple Cycles
Young scholars use Inspiration to map cyclical events. They recognize links between separate events and structural patterns. They explore the Internet Connection section to browse additional resources on teaching about cycles used in...
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Preparing for Disaster
Students examine the effects of earthquakes. In this earthquake lesson plan, students investigate survival strategies and disaster preparedness in the wake of an earthquake.